A Length of Stenciled Shibori: Two Processes

early twentieth century
26 3/4" x 13", 68 cm x 33 cm

This handsome length of two process indigo dyed cotton shibori was taken from a yukata or an unlined, casual kimono.

The cloth is made of arashi shibori which we can see as very narrow, diagonal blue lines: in Japanese arashi means "storm" which is clearly understood when you see this pattern and its visual allusion to driving rain.

On top of this very nicely done shibori is a stenciled pattern of two comma shapes encircled by stylized decoration. This stencil effect or technique is called surikomi and we see it from time to time as an added design element over hand made shibori.

The cloth is in good, used condition and it is recommended not to wash this piece as it is unclear if the dyes used in the surikomi method are fast or stable.

Still, this hundred-year-old piece of cloth is a beauty and one to be admired, studied or displayed.